I have A (new to me) 2015 15” MBP that has 5 stripped screws on the back. I was able to get 5 of them out. I have my own computer repair supplies and have tried everything, including the suggestions on I fix it. What can I do?
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Stripped Screws on 2015 15” MBP
- Thread starter Kathsr
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Any chance of posting a photo of it so we can get a better idea of how bad it is?
So you mean the screw head is rounded?
1. If there's an inkling of guide on the head left, you can try a friction paste that's specifically designed to take up the slack. Here's an example of what I mean:
Lightly tap the screw head also.
2. Using a highly sharpened punch to attack it on the perimeter of the screw head (obviously) anti-clockwise.
3. Next step really is just to drill the screw head off and use pliers to extract the thread. Hopefully Loctite or similar wasn't used on the threads themselves.
4. Depending if the thread is flush or not you could proceed with drilling further. There are Left Hand Drill bits that usually work the screws out just by drilling. Considering the diameter though you'd be advised to use a drill press if available. There's extractors too once the screw is hollowed out but not sure of something for this size. The finer ones are usually 4-star shaped and have an outside guide.
Hopefully you won't need to go past step 1.
Good luck
In addition to the screw paste, a technique i use is to put pressure on the case immediately to the left and right of screw head. This might take enough pressure off to make screw easier to turn. But don’t try without screw paste.
You all are the best! I did take the computer into the Genius Bar on Saturday because there was a recall on this model for the battery and this one had not been replaced yet. I didn’t mention the stuck screws, I want to see what they say. Should be ready later this week so I’ll keep you posted.
I had this problem on an old Dell. A tennis buddy has a wood and metal workshop in his garage and I just drilled it out on his drill press. That was only one screw.
Got my MBP back from the Genius Bar today. Per the recall order on the battery for this model they replaced the battery, keyboard and trackpad. They were somehow able to get the screws out and it looks like they replaced them with new ones without charging me anything. Thank you all so much for your input.
For all the ragging on Apple that goes on here, this is a great example of Apple standing behind their product and ensuring a satisfied customer. Try to get Dell or HP or any other laptop manufacturer to do that on a six year old machine. Thanks for posting and keeping us updated!
I do get what you're trying to say, it's nice to also hear of success stories and good support. Unfortunately it's the internet and dissatisfied customers will be loudest, as in any forum. I myself was denied a logic board replacement whilst under the old Apple Care program a decade ago. Unfortunately it was in Germany and they're known for denials of service. In Australia they would've given me a replacement MBP during that time immediately. So, depends where you are and who you get a lot of the times.